Des Moines police are investing a report of a sexual assault at a Drake University fraternity.

Police said the case centers around pictures and video that a male victim said he found of himself being sexually abused. The victim said he found the images on his fraternity brother's computer.

"It's just something that's very cruel and sickening. And I'm glad that we made an arrest in this case," said Sgt. Lori Lavorato, Des Moines police spokeswoman.

Anthony Bertolone, 21, is charged with third-degree felony sex abuse.
Bertolone is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity at Drake University.

A search warrant was executed on Tuesday to search Bertolone's room at 3212 Forest Ave. Police were looking for any computer systems, forensic data and photographs in print, electronic or digital form. They also were looking for any videotapes.

Police said the videos date back to as early as last fall.

The victim told police that he copied images to a memory card from Bertolone's computer and then he called police. The victim told police the images are of Bertolone performing sex acts on him while he was passed out.

The victim told police he has never been in a sexual relationship with Bertolone and that he didn't consent to the acts.

The victim also told police that he did not remember any of what was depicted in the photographs and videos.

"This is something that he had no knowledge of. In the video it shows and it's very evident that he was incoherent at the time," said Lavorato. "I feel awful for him and it's unfortunate that this happened to him. But I'll give him kudos because he had a lot of courage to come forward."

The fraternity's chapter vice president said Bertolone was "kicked out."
Chapter advisor Kurt Van Thomme said Bertolone's lease has been terminated.

Van Thomme said that the fraternity would be doing its own investigation, however they will rely heavily on the university's findings. Van Thomme said the fraternity would likely suspend Bertolone's membership until the criminal case was resolved.

Drake University officials said they are investigating the allegations and cooperating fully with the Des Moines Police Department. Officials said "Drake is dedicated to the prevention of sexual assault through education and clear, vigorously enforced policies. When sexual assault does occur, the University is committed to responding in ways that promote recovery for the victim and appropriate consequences for the assailant."

A spokeswoman said Bertolone will be a senior when the fall semester starts.
Police said their investigation is ongoing.

"We're all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other but it doesn't. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing." - Charles Bukowski